UpweySaint

cricfree have a beinsport link though not showing us yet, will probably kick in just before kick off.

We looked good in decent spells during the first half, despite us rather falling away after the pen I came away with more confidence then I did after being at the Watford game. Though I do think we are a little short and could do with two, or possible three, players who would thrive in a diamond. As much as the board and Puel are publicly giving out the 'no business' line I believe that there would not be so many rumours around similar players if we were not still actively looking to recruit. As for Sunderland hopefully we will find a cutting edge up front and put away an early chance. If we do I could see the flexibility provided by the diamond allowing the likes of Tadic and Redmond to have some joy with Sunderland. The obvious concerning being if they pinch an early goal and we dip again. Million miles away from must win territory but a poor Sunderland at home would be a good chance for Puel's first win to get the ball rolling for us a little and maybe encourage some patience from the doubters.

And a biscuit??! Bet that's on expenses! Quick, put this in the 'where has all the money gone' thread! If he orders banana bread too we riot.

Pure speculative boll*cks. We were very much in the game until the dodgy pen. Admittedly heads dropped after that. You want instant bankrolled success? Why bother supporting one team, just follow the money, I hear Wolves are throwing a few quid about!

Seconded.

Good article as ever. You are right to talk about the satisfaction we get from producing top quality players though it can also be a little galling to see so many move on to "bigger and better" things (the Liverpool Arsenal game you mentioned being case in point). The question is how sustainable the strategy is when a significant number of other teams in the league seem determined to throw money around. I like the way we do things and think it is admirable, if it costs us some short term progress as a club that's fine but it would be great to see us kick on to a level whereby we can eventually reap the rewards of developing players.

Could we have just the one 'the club is sh*t cause they're not shouting about spunking money left,right and centre' thread until the window has at least closed?!

Not being in a relegation dog fight, Being competitive in our Euro group (making it out of the group stages would be a plus), A decent cup run (preferably FA), Seeing JWP, Targett and/or Reed kicking on a gear, Blood a few promising youngsters (personally would like to see Hesketh, Jones and maybe Olomola get some first team action).

Don't see either deal happening but, if we had to lose Jose, would be fairly happy to have Rojo and ecstatic to have Morgan back.

Tricky opponent but would be a fantastic away day!

Seconded.

Les Reed's barber ... next pointless thread please!

Wow. Just wow. Or should I say WOW!!!!

You use a lot of urban slang ... "S'up L.Reed, wagwan with Jose Fonte?"

Okay I will indulge you ... he is new to the team, his fitness may be in question, tactical decisions... take your pick. If Puel keeps getting them wrong complain but after one game (a draw) it seems a tad premature, no matter what feeling you have, to make a doom mongering thread. I suggest you get a seat closer to the pitch ... but seriously, we created a few good chances, had the ball in the back of the net twice yet we are playing a new formation and may yet add new personal. Patience. Makes you feel better the boys in blue managed a spectacular 0-0 away to Crewe.

Good to see sometimes, nice to see a bit of passion and strikers demanding the right service. He may have sulked a lot but Graz certainly let his team mates know what he expected of them!

Seen better, seen worse from us. Not a great watch. Loved the ref telling Watford 'no more' on the time wasting then doing sod all about it for another half of football, like watching a cover teacher who has lost a class. They came for a draw and got it. Have to say a little disappointed by their travelling support. They were a friendly bunch but deathly quiet for 95% of the game even when they were ahead. Redmond looked bright, Tadic showed his class, VVD is just imperious. Targett was often in a lot of space but looked reluctant to drive beyond Watford - I wonder if this is tactical or if Bertrand will improve that area when back. Romeu was hit and miss but hopefully he can grow into the position, he had a lot to do yesterday though so hard to give him too much stick. The diamond will take a fair bit of work, not convinced but it's early days and we are still expecting new additions ... may need to wait till the season is properly under way before making any firm judgements.

Wont lie had heard of it but not seen much, watched him first game of the season and he looked a real prospect. Very direct, good movement off the ball, decent delivery and a finish in him. Perhaps a touch raw and Forest unlikely to sell cheap but hopefully we are at least keeping a watching brief. I wouldn't be too shocked if we resurrected our move for Solly March while we are talking championship.

Probably in a minority but bloody loved that, amazing to see just how far we have come as a club. I still have memories of seeing us being relegated amongst a pub full of WBA fans and having a sense of dread for the club. Don't get me wrong still very keen to see one or two more quality additions but sometimes it doesn't hurt to take a second and reflect on just how brilliant our journey has been over the last seven years.

We could just do a general pundit predictions thread?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36976438 Not sure if this is a good omen or not ... Lawro has us winning 2-1, 'The Blossoms' (a band) fancy us to get spanked 3-1!

Little bitter about it but it's a good step, hopefully we can look forward to other similar initiatives from teams across the league going forwards.

Is there any actual evidence of this? Think Fonte has earned being given the benefit of the doubt.

I would agree but to be fair we have developed a rep for bringing players on a level and the pre-euros rumours are what made me consider us as a possibility. Not sure he is the signing we are crying out for but could possibly fit into Puel's tactics and would be a good freebie to help give us a bit of squad depth at worst.

Putting two and two together and probably making five but this from gossip pedallers sky ... "Hal Robson-Kanu - It is understood that he's close to signing for an unnamed Premier League club. Negotiations over personal terms are at an advanced stage and it is hoped he will sign before the start of the season. Robson-Kanu was all set for Hull City last month, that deal is definitely OFF." Might fit with us. Attacking signing, close to being wrapped up and 'unnamed club' could well be us as we tend to play cards close to chest.